IP-centric control and management of optical transport networks

Previous techniques for the management and control of optical transport net works are proving inadequate in today's rapidly evolving multivendor enviro nments. This article examines the issues and challenges involved in develop ing a standardized optical network control plane. The control of optical tr ansport networks is decomposed into provisioning models, a circuit provisio ning process based on signaling, a neighbor and service discovery process, and a topology and resource discovery process. Unique properties and challe nges of optical transport networks are explained in the context of these fu nctions.